Tom Iannella, President and CEO of Antian Professional Services Incorporated...

Born in Campobasso, Italy, Tom immigrated to Canada in October of 1954. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force ten years later and was posted to Metz, France and Lahr, Germany, following his military training in St Jean and Camp Borden. In 1970, he completed his aircrew training in Winnipeg, and was subsequently posted to Shearwater, Nova Scotia where he flew on Sea King helicopters aboard the HMCS Preserver and Iroquois.

After completing his secondary education in Montreal, Tom went on to St. Mary's University in Halifax in 1974 and in 1976, was granted a voluntary release from the Canadian Air Forces. He currently holds a reserve officer rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Reserve.

Tom's 32 years of experience with the Government of Canada and the Canadian Forces has enabled him to develop an expertise in managing high visibility programs and events throughout Canada. For example, as Head of Operations for the National Museums' Museumobile Program and as Assistant Director for the Canadian Unity Information Office, he established mobile and large pavilion type exhibits to travel cross-country to promote Canada's unity, history and culture.

Following this, he joined Supply and Services Canada as Chief of Operations and Vice President of Operations and Sales with the Crown Assets Disposal Corporation. In 1987 he became Manager of Client Relations and Supplier Marketing Assistance Group of the OASIS Directorate at Supply and Services Canada, where he created internal trade fairs dedicated to educating Federal Government suppliers on how to deal effectively with the Government of Canada Procurement Process.

From 1992 to 1995, Tom was offered an inter-change with Connelly Business Exhibitions as Director and subsequently Vice President of Sales for Government and Industry Relations where he worked on Technology in Government Week and the Ottawa Business Show-Comtech.

More recently he was contracted by DND for four years to create opportunities and events to enhance the Department's visibility and that of the Canadian Forces. Some of his large scale events include the 50th anniversary of Search and Rescue, the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Air Force, Canada Day Celebrations across the country, Remembrance Day and Peacekeeping Ceremonies, and the creation of a 4500 square foot traveling National Defence Corporate Display.

Tom has had various impressive accomplishments throughout his career. He instituted the Federal Awards Program with Connelly Exhibitions, which would later become the opening gala event for the Technology in Government Week; between 1980 and 1984, he coordinated the pre-game and half-time shows at the annual Grey Cup game in co-operation with the Canadian Football League. Tom has also had a hand on-air, as he was responsible for the 'O Canada' record and video previously used on the CBC television sign-off. Currently, much of his energy has been focused on project managing the Fairs and Exhibits Program for the Government of Canada.

Tom's innovative technique and ideas have touched many hearts. For example, on Canada Day 1997, he secured the Skydome during the Expos vs. Blue Jays game and organized a tribute to our Canadian Forces heroes. 60,000 spectators gave a 20 minute standing ovation to the twenty CF members honored that afternoon. The only unfulfilled challenge in Tom's life these days has been in finding more time to pursue his passion…boating.